Health Minister Robin Swann has announced that a number of routine screening programmes have been paused to allow staff and resources to be reallocated to tackling Covid-19.

Speaking to Newry Times, Health Minister Robin Swann said, “Covid-19 is the most serious public health emergency that Northern Ireland has ever experienced.

“Given the unprecedented challenge we face, and the fact that in the next short while we face into what will be the most critical period of our fight against Covid-19, I am now having to make decisions that I would never have countenanced previously.

“Pausing these programmes was not an easy decision.

“I know the importance of screening, but this decision will allow reallocation of precious resources to our frontline staff as they undertake the massive task ahead of them.

“In addition, it must be remembered that many people who attend screening programmes are in a higher-risk category for coronavirus and it is essential that we minimise risk to those people through maintaining social distancing at this time,” he added.

The move follows the announcement of plans to suspend non-urgent outpatient appointments and non-urgent surgical admissions.

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